HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES
FASHION CULTURE LIFESTYLE
DECEMBER 2014
The Christmas Issue
EDITOR’S LETTER Looking for gift ideas for Christmas? Here is our Christmas issue packed full of fabulous ideas for Christmas, we also have more lovely suggestions in our Directory in our main website and in our Christmas Delights Home page feature. In this issue we also have news of the The Great Slow Food UK Christmas Pudding Challenge! Slow Food UK has launched a challenge to find the UK’s best tasting Christmas Pudding whilst providing a delicious pudding to the homeless at Centrepoint this Christmas. Also in this issue we have an inspiring interview with Charlotte Thompson, Founder of White Rabbit England. We also encourage you to try and have a relaxing Christmas this year with our top tips for slowing the pace a little. We also have reviews of some delightful books for all the family and our Christmas Beauty Round-up, full of gorgeous gifts. As this is our last magazine for 2014 we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to both our magazines and newsletters, to the fabulous companies in our Directory, the PR companies who always respond to our requests so promptly, and to YOU, our wonderful readers who always give us such positive feedback. There will be another newsletter before Christmas, but in advance we wish you all a very Happy Christmas holiday and a peaceful and happy 2015. Kaye, Louise and the whole Hot Brands Cool Places team xxx www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Picture Credits: Front Cover courtesy of LSA International http://www.lsa-international.com
Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured. Please Note All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.
2
LSA INTERNATIONAL Explore original, design-led gift ideas from LSA International this Christmas. Shop hundreds of products across contemporary drinkware, porcelain and decorative accessories or browse specialist Festive Gift edits for him, for her, for entertainers, for foodies and more at www.lsa-international.com
GIFT ATELIER The Gift Atelier is the destination online boutique offering a collection of accessories and lifestyle gifts for ladies, gents and home. The Gift Atelier has a passion for the ‘Best of British’ and offers gift collections from Bamford, Collett & Scott, Ettinger, Hackett of London, Johnston’s of Elgin, Linley and the icon of fashion, Vivienne Westwood. www.giftatelier.com
4
LINLEY Explore and indulge yourself at LINLEY this Christmas. WE can ensure entertaining is effortless with decadent crystal, sparkling silver and the perfect finishing touches, sure to impress your guests. Set the scene and light up any room with beautifully fragrant candles, metallic vases and hand-crafted photo frames. Whether you are shopping for luxury stocking fillers or for the man who has everything LINLEY have something for everyone on your list. www.davidlinley.com
5
ATTICUS & GILDA Take a look at the fabulous festive accessories from Atticus & Gilda including gold and sequinned party capes and headresses, then cosy up in bed in our beautiful nighties and pyjamas. Seasons Greetings! Visit www.atticusandgilda.co.uk and enjoy 15% discount code: Snowflake
6
SASS AND BELLE Specialised in offering on trend gifts and home decor products, Sass & Belle is a design led brand offering a wide selection of vintage chic items, soft furnishings and pretty decorations. The place to look for anyone searching for the perfect vintage chic gift! We are running a special offer until Xmas. 15% discount – code 15XMAS – expires 20th of Dec. www.sassandbelle.co.uk
7
Hot Brands Cool Places spoke with Charlotte Thompson, Founder of White Rabbit England for an exclusive interview
INTERVIEW 8
What was the inspiration behind White Rabbit England? White Rabbit England was founded 12 years ago by my sister and I. The idea to create lamps for children came about when we dusted off an old lamp from our childhood to reuse for our own children. However one lamp between our four children wasn’t going to work, that is when we discovered a gap in the market for childrens’ lighting, and we set about designing our own. Do you have a favourite piece in your range? Our traditional toadstool lamps with fairies and woodland scenes hold a special place in my heart as these were the first lamps we created (and are still our best sellers). I have to say though, that our White Rabbit lamp is my favorite as it is everything our brand represents, design, craftsmanship, quality and Britishness! It also won us the prestigious ‘Gift of the Year ‘ award for the best British gift! How do find the ideas for new products? Inspiration comes from all around but so far the collection of lighting has been inspired by all creatures great and small, be they fury, smooth or spiky, my own dog for example or the hedgehog who has made my mums garden its new home! You run the business with your sister Victoria in the USA, how do you manage the different roles and responsibilities? When you were little did you think you would work together? My sister and I started our first business together when we were six and seven so working together was always on the cards! We are very close in age as well as personality (we are born in the same year) so it is difficult having the Atlantic ocean between us. Thankfully we live in the right era for communication and this makes designing and decision making a lot easier. How would you like your brand to develop in the future? White Rabbit England has grown significantly as brand and as an online store and has hopefully become familiar to many as the place to come for unique and beautiful gifts for children. We endeavor to continue adding new designs of our own and other British creations so that customers can continue to enjoy shopping with us to find those heirlooms of the future! What makes a perfect weekend for you? Doing nothing except spending time with family, friends and animals! http://www.whiterabbitengland.com/
9
DOODLE BY STITCH doodle by stitch textile gifts can be customised using our unique wash-out colour pens. So doodle your own style, then wash and re-doodle – endless creative freedom! doodle products make unique Christmas presents for doodlers of all ages and are perfect for making new Christmas traditions, for keeping kids occupied during Christmas dinner, and for spending creative and memorable times with friends and family. www.doodlebystitch.com
MY HEART AND HOME Time for bed sleepy head! We offer a beautiful range of traditional cotton nightwear and a charming selection of keepsake gifts, rag dolls and teddies for little ones. 15% discount- Code HBCP - expires 19th Dec www.myheartandhome.co.uk
11
BY ELISE This highly-regarded and well-established label specializes in baroque pearl jewellery offering earrings, necklaces, bracelets and fashion accessories much of which has been designed, created and strung here in the UK. Working with selected silver, 14ct gold vermeil, pearls and gemstones , Elise’s look is fun, glamorous, statement, timeless and wonderfully wearable. Every piece is intended to capture a woman’s individuality www.byelise.com
12
SOPHIE AND SCARLETT Sophie and Scarlett are dedicated to finding a variety of personalised gifts, homewares, wedding gifts and products for children that can be bought quickly and easily. With a quick turnaround on many personalised items, you can have the perfect gift in time for Christmas! www.sophieandscarlett.com
13
LOAF Loaf makes laid-back furniture and accessories that make people want to kick off their shoes. The one-stop shop for the home is a champion of serious quality and good old British manufacturing. Check out their swish sofas, bonza beds and cool kitchen-y stuff at Loaf.com. www.loaf.com / 0845 459 9937
14
RED HEN Red Hen’s online shop sells an eclectic mix of vintage style home and garden accessories and gifts. Decorative, well designed and practical the range includes rugs, cushions, prints, and homewares both country and contemporary style, and includes lots of animals themes! www.redhentrading.co.uk
15
BELLA BRIDAL ACCESSORIES Planning a Christmas Party or wedding? We have a wonderful selection of beautiful accessories ranging from vintage style pieces to modern hair vines and so much more. We also have collections perfect for little ones such as sequin dresses and party shoes for children. www.bellabridalaccessories.co.uk
16
COCOONU CocoonU luxury collections embrace timeless style, lasting quality, exquisite natural fibres and minimalist beauty. We specialise in luxury gifts for the individual, home and travel. Perfect Christmas gifts include sublimely soft cashmere accessories and handcrafted Italian leather bags and luggage. www.cocoonu.com
17
THE GREAT SLOW FOOD UK CHRISTMAS PUDDING CHALLENGE! Slow Food UK launches a challenge to find the UK’s best tasting Christmas Pudding whilst providing a delicious pudding to the homeless at Centrepoint this Christmas. The search for the UK’s tastiest Christmas Pudding has started, exploring how this quintessentially British Christmas essential varies throughout the nation. With chefs and the public encouraged to bake two puddings (one for tasting and one for Centrepoint) using their own traditional recipe, Slow Food highlights the regional nuances: cider in the south west, bitter in the black country, brown ale in the north, whisky in Scotland as well as citrus fruits in east Scotland (a legacy from Dundee marmalade making), apple in Suffolk and prunes in Shropshire. The search which started in London before spreading through the UK, has already secured a number of Slow Food UK Chef Alliance members including Philip Howard, Neil Forbes, Tom Aikens, Nigel Haworth, Frances Atkins, Gareth Johns, Tom Cockerill, Paula McIntire, Vivek Singh, , Alessandro Grano, , Marcello Tully and Nick Gillespie as well as leading hotels such as The Rosewood & The Connaught and stores such as La Fromagerie, Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason. The public have also been entering with their own traditional recipes, as have numerous schools and community groups all across the UK. http://www.slowfood.org.uk/great-christmas-pudding-challenge/ TOM’S KITCHEN - TOM AIKENS CHRISTMAS PUDDING SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 90g Brioche crumbs 130g Veg suet 120g Dark Muscavado Sugar 40g Self Raising Flour 2.5g Baking powder 2g Spice all spice 1.5g Spice cinnamon 2g Spice Ginger powder 2g Spice Nutmeg 3g Sea Salt 110g Raisins 70g Dried Currants 2 Orange zest
90g Sultanas 45g Prunes dried 55g Carrots, grated 20g Mixed Peel 40g Glazed Cherries 70g Guinness 30ml Dark Rum 30g Brandy 2 Eggs, whole 35g Treacle 20g Orange juice 20g Ground Almonds 1 Granny smith apple, peeled METHOD
1. Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for 2 days mixing every 12 hours. 2. Pour into a greased pudding mould and cover with a lid and steam at 130°C for 2.5 hours. 3. Once cooked, either eat immediately or cool to re-heat later.
FEATURE 18
CHANTILLE HOUSE High quality, luxurious, individually sourced stylish interior products and accessories for those looking for designer homeware. Classic lines, bold patterns, contemporary furniture, subtle colours and textures arranged together is what Chantillie House is all about. Chantillie House 07795 314428 / www.chantilliehouse.com/
19
Relax…
20
It’s only Christmas!
*image courtesy of doodle by stitch - www.doodlebystitch.com
1. Lists Christmas is time when lists really come into their own, use downtime when waiting for meetings to start, travelling, or watching television to create lists of things you need to do to prepare for Christmas. 2. Start early It may already be too late for this year, but plan for next year by thinking about presents as early as possible. Many of us put Christmas shopping off to the last minute, only to find what would have made a perfect present is already sold-out. Personalised gifts always need a longer lead time. As you buy it, wrap and label it, saves time later. 3. Make it personal As well as personalized gifts that you can buy, you can create something special yourself, it may not cost very much, but can be meaningful for the recipient. 4. Shop online Each year the numbers of people shopping online increases, we have fabulous examples of excellent online companies, run by dedicated people who want to make your shopping experience enjoyable and stressfree. 5. Shop local Most of us can now access small local shops, artisan markets, galleries, Christmas fairs, and other opportunities to buy unique gifts. 6. On Christmas morning I would like... Give everyone in the family a chance to choose one small present that they would really like, a bit like Secret Santa, but for the home. Make a family shopping list of treats and wrap them up and put under the tree. Set a small price limit. 6. Make or Fake Think about what you would really enjoy making, or baking and what you would much rather buy and plan your menu accordingly. We have so little free time, no one really wants to spend Christmas struggling with baking disasters! 7. Practise the art of saying “No” Some of us find it really hard to turn down invitations, especially at Christmas, think of other ways to see people, that don’t involve long arduous journeys up and down the country at one of the busiest times of year. Also try and organised family get togethers at other times of the year. If you do have to travel equip your car for emergencies, or if travelling by public transport also be prepared for delays / refreshments. 8. Ideas in a hat Over the Christmas break, if you are spending time together with relatives, or as a family, a great way of everyone having a chance to do something they want is to cut up pieces of paper and to invite everyone to write down an activity that they would like to do. It can be as simple as “Watch a dvd” “Have a Pamper session” as well as play favourite games etc. Take it in turns to pull the activities from the hat. 9. Be prepared Try and plan for the everyone’s needs over Christmas, stagger the present opening, so the children don’t get over-excited. Encourage Father Christmas not to leave sugar treats in stockings to limit the sugar-rush! Have extra medical supplies, the right batteries for new toys. Have pre-recorded films, or dvd’s to slow the pace a little. Plan an easy walk. 10. Give something back Like the Christmas Pudding Challenge, encourage everyone to do something for somebody else this Christmas. There are so many people who do not have a special day, try and find ways of helping others. 21 Above all, try and relax and enjoy your day!
BELLE AND BOO Imagine, immerse & indulge yourself in the wondrous products from Belle & Boo, enchanting art prints, beautiful dresses & pretty little play things. All original gifts for children & babies to richly stir the imagination & transform a simple playroom or nursery into a childhood wonderland. www.belleandboo.com
22
GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. A perfect wedding gift. For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide
23
BLUE ISLE Classic Furniture and lighting with a sophisticated and contemporary edge. Blue Isle’s online collection features solid, white weathered oak teamed with crisp, ecru linens. Reclaimed wood and metal pieces add a more urban feel. A timeless style for town, coast and country. www.blueisle.co.uk
24
RED LILLY Red Lilly is an online store of beautiful, unusual and sometimes indulgent home wares sourced from home grown talent and exotic finds from further afield. Visit their current collection of Christmas decorations, innovative lighting and winter giftware. www.redlilly.co.uk
25
RIVERSIDE LIFESTYLE Riverside Lifestyle offer a beautiful holiday let, artisan food and gifts – using our Hampshire lavender we produce jams and chutneys, bath luxuries, olive wood chopping boards and platters and a collection of luxury homely throws, rugs and blankets. Visit www.riversidelifestyle.co.uk
26
DANGLY HEARTS Dangly Hearts is a small, dynamic company handcrafting high quality textiles from our studio in the New Forest. Using linen, cotton and free machine embroidery we create pretty and original gifts with a vintage feel that are suitable for all occasions. Many items can be personalised with names and dates making them ideal for special occasions. www.danglyhearts.co.uk
27
ANCIENNE AMBIANCE Step back in time this Christmas and take a sensual journey through exquisite scents of ancient times. With prestigious clients and fans worldwide, this luxury brand has made a name for itself as the epitome of opulence. Chelsea boutique now open. 10% off online orders over ÂŁ50 (excludes jewellery). Ends: 19/12/2014 - Code: HBCP (NB. Complimentary Worldwide Delivery & Gift Wrap offered year-round) http://www.ancienneambiance.com
28
MEL MILLIS Award winning Mel Millis phytonutri skincare uses the nature of science to harness a diverse handpicked line up of pure plant extracts which provide the skin with the optimum ratio of the bioactive phytonutrients needed to deliver proven and visible long lasting results. www.melmillis.co.uk
Christmas Beauty Round Up MAC Cosmetics M·A·C Keepsakes Face Palettes inspire a grand lovelust, in colour-coordinated hues that are sure to get you a courtly nod of approval. Available in two colour palettes, Natural and Smoky, each feature three Eye Shadows, one Iridescent Pressed Powder, a Cream Colour Base and two Lipsticks, in an elegant range of hues to keep you regally refined both day and night. Sleek, glittering compacts in black and white are accented with a cameo medallion. NATURAL FACE PALETTE (Featured image) IN GOOD TASTE EYE SHADOW ROYAL RENDEZVOUS EYE SHADOW midtone camel nude (matte) HEIR OF SOPHISTICATION EYE SHADOW reddish brown with pearl (frost) SPARKLING ROSÉ IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER soft pink with gold frost FILIGREE CREAM COLOUR BASE soft nude brown with pearl ELOQUENCE LIPSTICK mid-tone blue pink (amplified) SASS LIPSTICK deep blue magenta (amplified) RRP £42.00 www.maccosmetics.co.uk The Body Shop© Fairy lights are twinkling, music is filling the air and the mistletoe awaits... so get on your glad rags, glitter up and dance the night away! Our enchanting Winter Trend 2014 Make-Up Collection will help you sparkle through the season.
ct
Enchanting Eye Palettes Dolly Pastels and Frosted Pastels Dazzle with glistening colours inspired by frosty winter walks in the park, with 2 pastel palettes in collectible Christmas jumper designs. ible RRP £15.00 Christmas http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/
SMASHBOX ON THE ROCKS PHOTO OP EYE SHADOW LUXE PALETTE WHAT IT IS: A limited-edition palette with 28 party-perfect shades of our best-selling, super blendable Photo Op Eye Shadows. WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This must-have palette has 28 shades for any eye look—from naturally pretty to all-out glam! JUST THE FACTS: • Super blendable, velvety formula • Highly pigmented, even colour • Lasting wear TIPS Makeup always looks better with Primer! Make your partyperfect eye look last with 24 Hour Photo Finish Shadow Primer http://www.smashbox.co.uk Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil - Travel Set Don’t let it fool you...this set is small yet potent Hairdresser’s invisible oil sulfate free shampoo 60ml. A sulfate free shampoo infused with 6 featherlight oils to help soften, silken, tame, de-frizz, detangle and protect. Hairdresser’s invisible oil conditioner 60ml. A deep conditioner infused with 6 featherlight oils to help soften, silken, tame, de-frizz, detangle and protect. Hairdresser’s invisible oil heat/uv protective primer 60ml. This mist of many wonders infused with 6 featherlight oils helps soften, detangle, de-frizz, tame flyaways, ease styling and protect against breakage, heat-styling and UV damage. Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil: Conditioning, softeness and shine. http://www.bumbleandbumble.co.uk
KORRES Korres has packed together its worldwide best sellers for those who wish to offer the gift of feeling fabulous! BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS RRP: £18.00/€22.00 (Value £34.00 – Saving £16.00) Jasmine Showergel 250ml / Soft moisturising shower gel, ideal for everyday use. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its regular hydration level. Jasmine Body Milk 200ml / Moisturising body milk, enriched with vitamins and trace elements, essential skin energy boosting agents. The combination of Almond oil, active Aloe, provitamin B5 and Shea butter provides long-lasting hydration while enhancing skin suppleness. Wild Rose 24-hour Moisturising & Brightening Cream 16ml / Wild Rose oil is a natural source of vitamin C, which demonstrates significant repairing activity to fine lines and skin colour disorders, while adding brightness and radiance to the skin. Mandarin Lip Butter Stick in Rose / Lip butter with sun protection that instantly hydrates and softens the lips. Shea butter and Sunflower wax deeply nourish and offer longlasting care, while Mandarin oil conditions dry lips. Ideal for chapped lips. Available to buy from Debenhams / www.Debenhams.com Crabtree and Evelyn The Seasonal Spectacular 2014 Christmas Gift Collection encompasses an array of wonderful treats for all ages and price points. Gifts are beautifully housed in theatrical jewel coloured keepsake tins that celebrate the festivities and rich wonders of our bountiful world. For an extra special touch, take advantage of our in-store gift wrapping service. Sensational Six Hand Therapy Musical Tin Presented in a Seasonal Spectacular designed musical tin which features a traditional wind-up mechanism on the base and plays a delightful seasonal tune. Contains Nantucket Briar; Rosewater; Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed; Gardeners; La Source®; Lavender Hand Therapy 25g tubes. 6 x 25g: £25.00 Seasonal Spectacular is available in Crabtree & Evelyn stores and online at www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk
Elemis 12 DAYS OF BEAUTY On the first day of Christmas Elemis indulged me. For the next 12 days, experience a world of luxury skincare treats that will delight and deliver every day. RRP: £59.50 Worth £113.00 Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 20g Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream 15ml Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 7ml Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules 14 x 0.21ml capsules Revitalising Babassu Facial Wipes 4 sachets Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 50ml Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 35ml Skin Nourishing Shower Cream 50ml Pro-Radiance Hand & Nail Cream 20ml Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 20ml See more at: http://www.giftofelemis.com/12-days-of-beauty/#sthash.ub8HVU2u.dpuf
CHH DESIGN Gift Boxed Festivity! Caroline Hely Hutchinson’s exuberant, hand painted bone china and porcelain epitomises the joy of Christmas. The extensive range of unique pieces includes ‘Scentsational candles’, sets of glossy, translucent mugs and shot cups, a myriad of quirky cow creamers and olive oil bottles, and the ever popular, multifunctional apple dish. www.chh-design.com
ELLA JAMES Ella James has a passion for eclectic , imaginative and inspiring products, the emphasis is always on the unusual and eye-catching. For delightful gifts visit www.ellajames.co.uk
ARTS AND CRAFTS LIVING Looking for Christmas gifts that are beautiful and useful? Arts & Crafts Living sells elegant home interiors and gifts inspired by the style of the Arts & Crafts era (c.1860 – 1930). Products in designs by William Morris, CFA Voysey, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright. Many handmade items inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement. www.artsandcraftsliving.co.uk 01799 531233
THE MARGARET TAYLOR COLLECTION Would you like a tile mural or a hand painted bespoke piece of china? Please get in touch for an informal chat. If you decide to have the art work done, you will receive a sketch for your approval. Tiles or china are then painted before being kilned. Once fired at very high temperatures the paint is fused into the surface of the china and is indelible. www.themargarettaylorcollection.co.uk/
LITTLE LUCY WILLOW The exclusive luxury children’s furniture and accessory company that prides itself on designing unique collections of beautifully crafted furniture. Designed and built to the very highest standards here in England, our furniture is always in stock. Committed to quality, our furniture has a variety of colour and bespoke options and comes with a reassuring 10-year guarantee. http://www.littlelucywillow.co.uk
AURALEY Beautiful designer nightwear for girls and boys ages 2 to 8. The acclaimed signature is luxurious sustainable fabrics, tailored styling, gorgeous trim and embroidery, while always maintaining exceptional comfort. A piece from the Auraley collection is a wardrobe staple makes the perfect gift. www.auraley.com
REVIEWS
Books for Christmas Reading The Christmas holidays are a perfect time for relaxing with a book, with warm, cosy afternoons and evenings, and we have selected a beautiful collection of books for you, or to give to others.
National Geographic: The Covers Mark Collins Jenkins Synopsis: National Geographic: The Covers is the definitive cover collection from the world’s most beloved magazine. In the more than 125 years that the magazine has been publishing its famous yellow border, its cover stories have opened our eyes to a richly varied world and taken us to places we only dream of visiting: deep into the rainforest, miles below the surface of the ocean, and into the farthest reaches of the universe. Organised by decade, the covers chart our evolving understanding of the world, the unfolding of world political events, record amazing discoveries that would literally rewrite history, and the enduring beauty of our natural world. ht t p: // w w w. a m a z o n . c o. u k / N a t i o n a l - G e o g r a p h i c - C ove r s Photographs-Unforgettable/dp/1426213883/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1 417786589&sr=8-1&keywords=National+Geographic%3A+The+Covers Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is a fascinating collection of the covers of National Geographic magazine, charting important issues around the world and evoking memories of where we were at the time. Highly Recommended! Stunning Photographs Annie Griffiths Synopsis: The 2014 offering in National Geographic’s iconic line of large-format photo books immortalises the richness of life, using evocative images that magnify the beauty, emotion and depth that can be captured in the split second of a camera flash. This elegant book illuminates the power of photography to witness, reveal, persuade, celebrate, explore and change the way we see the world; capturing the eye-popping photography from around the world, nature and culture that National Geographic is known for. ht tp:// w w w.a m a zo n.co.u k /N at i o n a l - G eo g ra p h i c- St u n n i n g Photographs-Griffiths/dp/1426213921/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=14177865 36&sr=8-1&keywords=stunning+photographs Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is an example of what National Geographic does best, reproducing absolutely stunning photography, breath-taking images, a joy to view! Highly Recommended!
Daily Gratitude 365 Days of Reflection – Photos and Wisdom to Enrich Your Spirit National Geographic Filled with striking, natural-world photographs and insightful quotations, National Geographic’s latest inspirational book takes on the most timeless and universal of topics: gratitude. Illuminating the elements, large and small, that make life precious, this book invites readers to savour what’s really important – from friends and family to adventure and success to the simple comforts of home. Aimed at anyone interested in celebrating, reflecting on, and sharing the gift of appreciation, this beautiful book will be a keepsake to treasure every day of the year. http://w w w.amazon.co.uk/Daily- Gratitude- Reflection- National Geographic/dp/1426213794/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417786641&sr=81&keywords=Daily+Gratitude Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict One of our favourite books this year, stunning and evocative photography with beautiful and inspiring quotes, a wonderful and meaningful gift for anyone. Highly Recommended! The World’s Best Cities Celebrating 300 Great Urban Destinations National Geographic Delving into the heart and soul of more than 300 cities worldwide, this National Geographic travel volume is a glossy, glorious tribute to cosmopolitan life. A stately, luscious celebration of photos and words, it showcases all of the world’s great cities – Paris, Rome, New York, London – and up-coming ones as well – including Denver, Asheville, Auckland and Abu Dhabi – through a playful, informative mix of inspirational personal narratives; walking tours; thematic photo galleries; plus sidebars on oddities; shopping cart; novel introductions (novels that offer a sense of the city); local secrets; and more. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Worlds-Best-Cities-Celebrating-Destinations/ dp/1426213786/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417786863&sr=8-1&keywords=th e+world%27s+best+cities Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Travel the world from your armchair, or plan your 2015 trips, fascinating information, beautiful photography. Fabulous gift!
National Geographic London Book of Lists The City’s Best, Worst, Oldest, Greatest, and Quirkiest Tim Jepsom & Larry Porges An eclectic and hugely entertaining illustrated compendium of more than 120 lists of London life, culture, and history, from its ancient Roman origins to the present day. Organised with a minimum of organisation, the lists in this fun and easyto-dip-into book comprise and are annotated by quotes; sidebars containing compelling facts and figures; snippets from diaries and other first-hand sources, old National Geographic magazine excerpts; and much more. http://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Geographic-London-Book-Lists/ dp/1426213824/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417786691&sr=8-1-fkmr0& keywords=the+world%27s+best+cities+national+geo Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Full of facts and intriguing information about London, great for Christmas quizzes, relaxing reading or visits to London! Owls: Our Most Enchanting Bird Matt Sewell Synopsis: In this beautiful follow-up to Our Garden Birds, Our Songbirds and Our Woodland Birds, street artist Matt Sewell captures the world’s most evocative bird: the owl. In his much-loved pop-art watercolours and accompanied with his whimsical descriptions, Matt Sewell expresses the individual characters of owls as never before. From tiny Elf Owls to huge Eagle Owls, from the mysterious creatures of the night to an impossibly fluffy baby owl, they are undoubtedly one of the world’s most intriguing feathered friends. These wise, magical birds are otherworldly in their striking colours and stature, and it’s not just birdwatchers who are obsessed. With 50 hand-selected, hand-painted owls, this is a delightful gift which appeals to owl lovers, bird-watching enthusiasts, children, adults and art and design fans alike. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/owls-a-guide-to-the-worldsfavourite-bird/9780091959999 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Like his earlier bird books this is a delightful little book, we never realized just how many different types of owls exist. Divided into Woodland, Tropical, Wilderness and Desert, Matt Sewell illustrates these fascinating birds with charm and character. A beautiful gift! Highly Recommended!
Official Strictly Come Dancing Annual 2015: The Official Companion to the Hit BBC Series - Alison Maloney Synopsis: The glamour, the glitz and the glitterball are back on our screens for series twelve of Strictly Come Dancing and the 2015 annual is your perfect partner to every step, spin and shimmy. Throw your own Strictly scary halloween party, swot up an all the dances from the saucy samba to the cheeky charleston, find out just how many sequins it takes to make a Strictly costume sensation and follow a day-in-the-life of a professional dancer. The 2015 official Strictly Come Dancing Annual will have you prepped, stretched and prepared from the very first foray onto the floor to the spectacular final step.Packed full of behind-the-scenes gossip, exclusive interviews, the essential lowdown on everything from make-up to costume as well as fun games and mind-boggling quizzes to test even the best ballroom brainiac, this is your essential guide to all the drama on the dancefloor. http://w w w.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/official -str ictly- come danci ng - annua l -2 015 -the - of f icia l - compan ion -to -the - h it- bbcseries/9781849908733 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict If you, or any of your friends and family have been watching the current BBC Strictly Come Dancing series, they will love this annual, packed through with behind-the-scenes information, this is a delightful gift for any fan. Home Comforts - James Martin Synopsis: This tie-in book to his enormously successful BBC TWO series, James Martin: Home Comforts, sees James in his comfort zone, cooking the food he loves best. He champions local produce and loves growing his own, and this irresistible collection of recipes ranges from fancy dinners to comforting puds. Much-loved for his trademark wholesome, hearty British food, James in this book showcases a wide range of recipes including quick tomato and basil soup with roasted garlic bread and beer-marinated rack of pork with chard gratin plus old favourites such as chicken Kiev, classic prawn cocktail and James’s recipe for the ultimate burger. The very British love of spicy foods is also indulged with recipes from all over the world, including Thai lamb salad with spicy dressing and smoky chilli chicken wings, spiced potato wedges and padron peppers. In this book James shows off a fresh and light side, too, with dishes like salt crust dough-baked celeriac, crème fraiche and chive dressing. http://www.quadrille.com/books/food-and-wine/book/uk_184949472X/ home-comforts Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This book is full of delicious recipes, especially the pudding collection! The chapters are divided into Lighter Comforts, Quick Comforts, Easy Comforts, Slow Comforts, Spicy Comforts, Sweet Comforts and Baked Comforts. With step-by-step instructions and mouth-watering photographs, this is a great gift for any food lover. Highly Recommended!
Sewing for Christmas - Rebecca McCallion Synopsis: Make Christmas a homemade holiday with over 15 projects to make for yourself or to give as gifts. The projects are easy enough for a beginner to attempt, so no matter what your sewing level, you’ll be able to decorate the halls of your home with as many home-sewn boughs of holly as you want. http://www.searchpress.com/book/9781742575940/sewing-for-christmas Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is delightful little book is packed with sewing projects for a range of different Christmas accessories and decorations, including advent calendars, Christmas stockings, festive bunting, table runners, gift bags and tree decorations. Each project has step-by-step instructions and colour photos and also includes pattern templates. Perfect for the runup to Christmas! Highly Recommended! CHRISTMAS PATTERNS- Various Authors Synopsis: Capture the magic of Christmas with this gorgeous colouring book, brimming with wonderfully festive images, patterns and snowy scenes. Colouring-in can enhance your thought processes and help you unwind - there is no age limit on who can be inspired! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Patterns-Creative-ColouringGrown-ups/dp/1782432507/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1417707616&sr=83&keywords=christmas+patterns Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Another in the series of colouring books for adults, but it can be a family activity, set time aside for relaxing and creative opportunity. Also a great stocking-filler present. Still Open All Hours: The Story of a Classic Comedy Graham McCann Synopsis: From its first episode in 1973, Open All Hours was an instant hit. Audiences around Britain loved its familiar setting, good natured humour, and the hilarious partnership of Ronnie Barker and David Jason. Whilst it only ran for 26 episodes, it firmly cemented itself as a British comedy classic. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the show in 2014, the BBC revived it for a one-off Christmas Special. Still Open All Hours was swamped by a wave of audience affection and the BBC promptly commissioned a full series. The first episode of the fifth series is expected to air in late 2014. With recollections from David Jason, his fellow cast members, and from the scriptwriter Roy Clarke, plus never before seen BBC archive material, acclaimed popular TV historian Graham McCann tells the inside story of this very British sitcom, with wit, insight and affection. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/editions/open-all-hours-the-story-of-aclassic-comedy/9781849908863 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict Fascinating background information behind the making of the programme, a perfect gift for any fan of this classic comedy.
House & Garden Fifties House - CATRIONA GRAY Synopsis: The first title in a series covering twentieth-century interiors by decade using original material from House & Garden’s peerless archive. The post-war consumer boom of the 1950s, coupled with a desire for new, innovative design resulted in one of the most exciting decades in the history of interiors - a visual revolution that was captured on the pages of British House & Garden. In Fifties House, mid-century modern enthusiast Catriona Gray has drawn on the magazine’s peerless archive, curating the best illustrations and photographs to show how the use of colour, pattern, homewares and furniture evolved through the decade. The homes of key tastemakers are featured including Le Corbusier, Giò Ponti, Terence Conran and Hans and Florence Knoll. The first title in the new Decades of Design series, House & Garden Fifties House is required reading for mid-century modern enthusiasts, collectors and decorators in search of inspiration from the most influential homes of the past. https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk/books/detail. page?isbn=9781840916867 Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict This is an absolutely fascinating book, beautifully illustrated with examples of how the houses, the rooms and the contents evolved during that decade. The commentary that accompanies the photographs is equally interesting, “Casserole dishes that could be taken from straight from the oven to the table were popular and gradually found their way to the dining room, displacing the grand serving dishes of the previous century” Highly Recommended! The Great Interior Design Challenge Sourcebook Daniel Hopwood, Sophie Robinson, Tom Dyckhoff Synopsis: In the BBC Two television series ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’, 27 amateurs with a passion and flair for interior design compete against one another to prove their design ability. Now it’s your turn. This official TV series tie-in title is packed with interior design tips and practical information. Whether you want simple and cheap ways to update your living room or are redecorating your house from top to toe, the step-by-step techniques and projects will guarantee professionallooking results. The way you design your home says just as much about you as the clothes you wear, so finding the style that’s right for you is an important first step. The Great Interior Design Challenge Sourcebook is available to order from the Pavilion Book Store. Hot Brands Cool Places Verdict If you watched the BBC Two television series ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’, you will love this book. Designed to guide you through all the crucial basics, including floorplans, types of floors and walls, colours, patterns and window treatments, this is a wonderful source of inspiration. Highly Recommended!
PAPERCHASE Merry, Warm & Bright The Paperchase Christmas story this year takes us from bright neon halls decked with festive fluoro to warm winter wonderlands created with the neutral tones and natural textures of wood, crochet and knit. Touches of hammer copper in cosy Autumnal tones and blasts of neon bring the whole look together. With a few quirky surprises along the way, naturally. Step into Christmas at Paperchase www.paperchase.co.uk
WHITE RABBIT ENGLAND White Rabbit England is a luxury childrens’ brand founded in 2001 by sisters Charlotte Thompson and Victoria Sullivan. We design and manufacture lighting and interiors for the nursery and special gifts for little ones. Our award winning White Rabbit lamp represents perfectly the uniqueness and quality of both the design and manufacture of everything we do to create heirlooms of the future. “Designed by us, made for you, keep forever” http://www.whiterabbitengland.com/
MILK AND HONEY Combining honesty with style, milkandhoney aims to make the most of the simplest and most comforting pleasures in life. Sumptuous duvets, pillows and towels as well as beautiful bed linen, enchanting children’s products and home finishing touches create a world of affordable luxury. www.milk-and-honey.co.uk
SCARLET AND ARGENT Soft lime, bright olive, sky blue and heather are just some of the soft colour ways in Scarlet & Argent’s woollen blanket collection. The British made blankets are made with love in Yorkshire and all beautifully textured and hand-finished. Of such a high quality, they will last a lifetime. www.scarletandargent.co.uk
ROBERT WELCH Robert Welch Designs brightly coloured dining accessories to make meal times fun! Hardwearing and dishwasher proof. Gift boxed sets from £25. The soft fluid shape of a Molton candlestick beautifully reflects light around the room. Gift boxed from £26.00 Signature Cookbook and Tablet Stand supports cookbooks, tablets and ipads for easy viewing when cooking. Perfect for the budding chef! Gift boxed £38 Lower High Street, Chipping Campden, 01386 840880 and Broad Street, Bath 01225 336530 / www.robertwelch.com
RUFUS RABBIT Rufus Rabbit, the funny bunny whose gorgeously packaged baby gift range was lovingly created by Anna Danielle, co-owner of the family firm The Little Dog. Dedicated to creating quality gifts with a service to match, Rufus Rabbit always goes the extra mile to create a smile! www.rufusrabbit.co.uk
DUSK LIGHTS Dusk Lights is a UK online lighting superstore that not only sells an eclectic range of contemporary and traditional lights at great value but also offers a free professional telephone support service offering advice and technical help on all lighting matters. www.dusklights.co.uk
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com